City eyes historic district traffic, bids farewell to city manager

Much was discussed during a recent lengthy city council meeting including Historic District sign requirements, traffic calming and a proposed city water and solid waste rate adjustment public hearing.
The meeting began with a farewell to Folsom City Manager Kerry Miller. It was his last city council meeting before his upcoming retirement.
Many council members spoke of Miller as a mentor and were “privileged” to learn from him because he always took the time to listen.
“He was an expert in succession planning, and the sign of a true leader is that his plan will continue beyond him,” said Councilman Jeff Starsky. “This city was lucky to have had him here for the past five years.”
Miller said over his entire career, he has attended and prepared 720 council meetings.
“As I retire, I’m so excited to, for the first time in my adult life, enjoy my community as a resident, not as a city official,” Miller said. “It’s time for me to venture into a new time in my life and enjoy being a Folsom resident.”
In other business, sign requirements were approved for the Natoma-Riley-Bidwell sub area of the Historic District.
According to the staff report, the primary purpose of the sign code amendment is to allow larger free-standing signs for retail businesses and restaurants to better attract customers.
In old business, the city council directed city staff on traffic calming measures around the Coloma, Sutter and Scott Streets in the Folsom Historic District.
Mayor Andy Morin said the city needs to better compromise with the Historic District residents to ensure the area is safe and quiet.
In January, the city staff initiated a project with residents of the area to reduce “cut-through traffic” near Natoma, Riley and Leidesdorff Streets, specifically the Sutter Street, Coloma Street route between Rainbow Bridge and Natoma Street.
Starsky discussed the danger of riding a bicycle in the area, stating that it can be unsafe and hard to see blind spots while riding.
Councilman Steve Miklos said it is also dangerous for cars driving up the hill to the stop light on Natoma Street and Riley Street. He suggested putting in some sort of flashing lights in that blind spot to warn drivers.
It was also discussed to modify the intersection of Riley Street and Scott Street to prohibit right turns on red from Scott onto Riley.
A quiet public hearing on the water and solid waste rate adjustment was OK’d at the meeting. No one from the community spoke on the issue.
For more information and full council packets, visit folsom.ca.us.